Album Review
4-5 Stars An album that could only result from years of experience and an unbreakable connection.
Reviewer: Sophie Flint Vázquez
Released: April 25, 2025
Label: Lucky Number
Sunflower Bean have always defied categorization, and their fourth album, ‘Mortal Primetime,’ underscores this more than ever. Throughout its ten tracks, the band discards any set genre, effortlessly blending alt-rock, folk, and celestial pop elements. The album kicks off with gritty, distorted guitar riffs reminiscent of the Ramones in ‘Champagne Taste,’ only for ‘I Knew Love’ to take a complete turn, with lead singer Julia Cumming’s smooth vocals channeling Joni Mitchell. In another instance, ‘Please Rewind’ starts with lively guitar melodies that would fit seamlessly into a Midwestern emo tune, but Nick Kivlen’s voice transforms it into a folk-infused number akin to Simon & Garfunkel. However, rather than feeling fragmented, it is in these striking contrasts that ‘Mortal Primetime’ showcases its most significant strength. The album arises from a transformative time for the band, highlighted by Nick's relocation to California, Julia’s breakup, and drummer Olive Faber focusing on a new venture (Stars Revenge). Instead of causing a rift, Sunflower Bean harnessed these changes as motivation, resulting in an album rich with newfound purpose. This confidence is evident throughout, from the blazing guitar solo preceding the last chorus in ‘Nothing Romantic’ to Julia’s ethereal vocals that define ‘Look What You’ve Done To Me.’ Even in the quieter tracks, whether it's the blissfully nostalgic ‘Waiting for the Rain’ or the contemplative, dreamy ‘There’s a Part You Can’t Get Back,’ the band radiates a self-assuredness that renders their genre-blurring style seamless. ‘Mortal Primetime’ does not gently guide you through its sonic transitions. Instead, Sunflower Bean confronts this continual evolution head-on, delivering a record that only years spent together and an unyielding bond could create.
Selected by Mitch Mosk, this week's Editor's Picks showcases music from Bon Iver, Japanese Breakfast, Samia, Michael Marcagi, spill tab, and Djo!
Stereophonics have urged us to ‘hurry up and wait’—a phrase from their song of the same title on their 1999 second album ‘Performance and
Renowned for his authentic songwriting and heartfelt melodies, Nottingham-based artist Jerub has enjoyed significant successes in his career to date, including performances at the
PinkPantheress has unveiled her latest single 'Stateside'. The UK artist is returning with her upcoming mixtape 'Fancy That', which is poised to shine this Spring. It is set to be released
Ayra Starr and Wizkid team up for their new single 'Gimme Dat'. Ayra Starr's impressive ascent continues as fans remain enchanted by her outstanding album 'The Year'.
Myles Smith has released a new track titled 'My First Heartbreak'. It has been quite a tumultuous year for the songwriter, who has won a BRIT Award and achieved a
A relationship that could only be forged through years of experience and an unbreakable connection.